Ryan Mackenzie - hearing recap
E&W – Online Article – March 18, 2026
Federal workers’ compensation programs are under renewed scrutiny as lawmakers push for reforms to improve access to care, reduce inefficiencies, and strengthen oversight.
During a recent hearing titled “Strengthening Federal Workers’ Compensation Programs: Ensuring Integrity, Efficiency, and Access,” policymakers and industry leaders outlined key challenges and solutions facing injured workers today.
At the center of the discussion was the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), which administers critical federal programs including the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) and the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program.
These programs are designed to provide injured workers with:
Wage replacement
Medical care
Ongoing support during recovery
However, lawmakers agree that improvements are needed to ensure these benefits are delivered efficiently and fairly.
First, the hearing focused on strengthening program integrity.
Lawmakers emphasized the need to improve data sharing and oversight to prevent fraud and ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.
According to Subcommittee Chairman Ryan Mackenzie, the goal is to build on existing programs and implement “commonsense improvements” that help injured workers access high-quality care while maintaining accountability.
In other words, reforms are aimed at balancing two priorities:
Supporting injured workers
Protecting system integrity
At the same time, witnesses highlighted how state-level workers’ compensation systems are already driving innovation.
For example, Stephanie McCloud noted that Ohio has significantly reduced workers’ compensation premiums.
Once among the highest in the country, Ohio’s premiums now rank among the lowest—demonstrating how targeted reforms can improve both cost and system performance.
As a result, federal policymakers are increasingly looking to successful state models for guidance.
In addition, technology is playing a larger role in improving workers’ compensation systems.
Robert Johnson highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) is helping enhance claims management and oversight.
However, he emphasized that human oversight remains essential.
While AI can improve efficiency and detect patterns, ongoing monitoring ensures that decisions remain fair and patient-focused.
Perhaps most importantly, the hearing addressed one of the biggest challenges in workers’ compensation: access to care.
Proposed legislation, including H.R. 4122, aims to expand access to qualified providers.
Specifically, the bill would:
Allow injured workers to receive care from nurse practitioners and physician assistants
Reduce delays in treatment
Lower overall healthcare costs
According to Patrick Howe, improving access to local providers can prevent unnecessary hospital visits and speed up recovery.
Similarly, Lucy McBath emphasized that allowing patients to see trusted, local providers gives them more time to heal and less time navigating the system.
Ultimately, the hearing reinforced a simple but critical point:
Workers’ compensation systems must evolve to meet the needs of today’s workforce.
Delays in care, limited provider access, and administrative inefficiencies can all negatively impact recovery outcomes.
By improving access, strengthening oversight, and leveraging technology, federal reforms aim to create a system that works better for everyone involved.
Federal workers’ compensation reform is focused on three key priorities:
Better access to care for injured workers
Greater efficiency in delivering benefits
Stronger accountability to protect program integrity
For injured workers, these changes could mean faster treatment, better provider access, and improved recovery outcomes.
For the healthcare system—including providers like RescueMeds—it reinforces the importance of delivering timely, patient-centered care within an evolving regulatory landscape.